Removable Ballistics Adhesive Protective Pad

Abstract

My invention relates to improvements in the performance, functionality, versatility and operation of bulletproof protective armor. Specifically, my invention provides flexible bulletproof adhesive pads in panel form, of various shapes, sizes, colors, patterns, textures, weights, densitys, thicknesses, levels of protection and styles. The panels consist of a layered composition of bulletproof fabric and other bulletproof material (e.g. polycarbonate, metal), a flexible insulating/dividing membrane, resin and adhesive. The panel will be encased in a flexible, high temperature resistant material that provides protection from water, oil and damaging UV rays. The edges of each individual panel will be secured to maximize the effective product lifespan. The final product is a removable ballistics adhesive protective pad that is pliable and moldable, and that can be in any shape, size, color, pattern, texture, weight, density, thickness, level of protection and style. It will have a pressure sensitive adhesive layer, at first covered by a non-stick backing, that when combined with its ability to be molded & shaped, enables the device to adhere to surfaces such as clothing or body parts (e.g. arms, neck, thighs, legs, head, back, feet) and provide protection for specific critical areas such as heart and organs. It can also be applied to pets, and even inanimate objects such as vehicles or surfaces within a facility such as a home, schoolroom, or safe-room.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Provisional Patent Application 61/911,506 filed Dec. 4, 2013

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] My invention relates to improvements in the performance, functionality, versatility and operation of bulletproof protective armor that can be worn by a human or animal, or applied to a surface (e.g. vehicle, house, schoolroom, safe-room) for the purpose of providing protection to the occupants.

[0003] Bulletproofing (or bullet resistance) is the process of making something capable of stopping a bullet or similar high velocity projectile (e.g. shrapnel from an explosive device). Bullet resistant materials are often used in law enforcement and military applications, to protect personnel from death or serious injuries.

[0004] In 1538, Francesco Maria della Rovere commissioned Filippo Negroli to create a bulletproof vest. In 1561, Maximilian II, Holy Roman Emperor is recorded as testing his armor against gun-fire. The history of the word "bullet" and the adjective form of "proof" in the late 16th century would suggest that the term "bulletproof" originated shortly thereafter

[0005] One of the first commercially sold bulletproof armor products was produced by a tailor in Dublin, Ireland in the 1840s. The first official attempt at commissioning body armor to the armed forces was made in 1915 by the British Army Design Committee. The British army medical services calculated towards the end of the War, that three quarters of all battle injuries could have been prevented if an effective armor had been issued.

[0006] Kevlar is a type of woven material that was found to be very effective in the production of bulletproof products. During the 1980s, the US military issued a Kevlar vest able to stop pistol rounds and fragmentation of explosives. West Germany issued a similar vest. Kevlar soft armor (without any additional embedded metal plates) had its shortcomings because if large fragments or high velocity bullets hit the vest, the energy could cause life-threatening, blunt trauma injuries in selected, vital areas.

[0007] Ranger Body Armor was developed for the American military in 1991. Although it was the second modern US body armor that was able to stop rifle caliber rounds and still be light enough to be worn by infantry soldiers in the field, it still had its flaws. It was still heavier than the concurrently issued anti-fragmentation armor worn by regular infantry and did not have the same degree of ballistic protection around the neck and shoulders. The format of Ranger Body Armor (and more recent body armor issued to US special operations units) highlights the trade-offs between force protection and mobility that modern body armor forces organizations to address

[0008] Modern day bullet-resistant materials (also called ballistic materials or, equivalently, anti-ballistic materials) are usually rigid, with only a few various products being more supple or pliable. They may be complex, such as Kevlar, Lexan, and carbon fiber composite materials, or they may be basic and simple, such as steel or titanium.

[0009] Today, wearable bulletproof armor is most often seen in the form of a vest style garment wearable by a human. A bulletproof vest, ballistic vest or bullet-resistant vest is an item of personal armor that helps absorb the impact from firearm-fired projectiles and shrapnel from explosions, and is worn on the torso. Ballistic vests use layers of very strong fiber to "catch" and deform a bullet, mushrooming it into a dish shape, and spreading its force over a larger portion of the vest fiber. The vest absorbs the energy from the deforming bullet, bringing it to a stop before it can completely penetrate the textile matrix. Some layers may be penetrated but as the bullet deforms, the energy is absorbed by a larger and larger fiber area. Soft vests are commonly worn by police forces, private citizens who are at risk of being shot (e.g., national leaders), security guards, and bodyguards.

[0010] Metal or ceramic plates can be used in combination with a soft vest, providing additional protection from rifle rounds, and metallic components. These hard-plate reinforced vests are mainly worn by combat soldiers, police tactical units, and hostage rescue teams.

[0011] In order for current versions of ballistic protection to be wearable, the ballistic panels and hard rifle-resistant plates are fitted inside a special carrier. The carrier is the visible part of a ballistic vest. The most basic carrier includes pockets which hold the ballistic panels and straps for mounting the carrier on the user. There are two major types of carriers--military or tactical carriers that are worn over the shirt, and covert law enforcement type carriers that are worn under the shirt.

[0012] The military type of carrier typically has a series of pockets for neck protection, side plates, groin plates, and backside protection. Because this style of carrier is not close fitting, sizing in this system is straightforward for both men and women, making custom fabrication unnecessary. However, because of this same design, gaps in protected regions may (and often do) occur. Movement, especially quick evasive maneuvers required by the typical user, may also be somewhat unnatural, unpredictable and hindered because the armor is not made to closely follow movement of the human body. The mobility of the wearer can then be compromised.

[0013] The other type of carrier is styled to be more covert and concealed by clothing. By comparison, a concealable carrier of ballistic panels fits close to the wearer's body, with a shirt worn over it. It must be custom designed to conform closely to the wearer's body shape. For concealable armor to conform to the body it must be correctly fitted to a particular individual. Many programs specify full custom measurement and manufacturing of armor panels and carriers to ensure good fit and comfortable armor. Officers who are significantly overweight or female have more difficulty in getting accurately measured and having comfortable armor fabricated. Additionally, any change to the body shape (e.g. weight gain or loss, muscle gain or loss, pregnancy, injury, aging) causes the armor to not fit properly.

[0014] Modern body armor may combine a ballistic vest with other items of protective clothing, such as a combat helmet. Vests intended for police and military use may also include rigid ballistic shoulder and side protection armor components, and bomb disposal officers wear heavy armor and helmets with face visors and spine protection.

[0015] Bulletproof armor for a vehicle or other structure (e.g. house, schoolroom, safe-room) today requires a custom design and installation. This is typically cost prohibitive for most people. The products are also permanently attached during the installation, of a custom specified shape and size and therefore not transferable to other items.

[0016] While a variety of bulletproof products exists and are in use today, it can be seen that many improvements in the field are desired.

[0017] What is required for improved bulletproof protection from ballistics armor is--

[0018] Easily and inexpensively obtained by any common citizen

[0019] Easily and inexpensively stored anywhere, and quickly available for any unexpected event requiring ballistics protection

[0020] Easily and quickly fitted on the body for protection, with minimal loss of mobility

[0021] Flexibility in placement of the armor anywhere on the body to be protected

[0022] Ability to provide protection for areas left uncovered/unprotected while wearing current bulletproof products

[0023] Sizing of protective article to support easy fitment to any size individual (i.e.--adult, teen, child, infant), or even pets with no customization required.

[0024] No need for expensive, time-consuming custom fitting to achieve a wearable protective item

[0025] Ability to re-use protective item (as long as it's not damaged following a ballistics event)

[0026] Ability to re-use undamaged protective item on an individual other than the previous wearer, and still have full protection

[0027] Ability to re-use undamaged protective item on an individual other than the previous wearer, and not cause any loss of mobility of the new wearer due to improper fitment

[0028] Ability to re-use undamaged protective item following a change in the original wearer's body shape (e.g.--weight gain/loss, muscle gain/loss, pregnancy, injury, aging)

[0029] Ability to increase the level of protection at will, by fitting or stacking multiple layers to the same area

[0030] None of the prior art discloses or addresses all of these issues which are resolved by my invention, nor do they afford the benefits specifically designed into my invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0031] My invention relates to improvements in the performance, functionality, versatility and operation of bulletproof protective armor. Specifically, my invention provides flexible bulletproof adhesive pads in panel form, of various shapes, sizes, colors, patterns, textures, weights, densitys, thicknesses, levels of protection and styles.

[0032] The panels consist of a layered composition of bulletproof fabric and other bulletproof material (e.g. polycarbonate, metal), a flexible insulating/dividing membrane, resin and adhesive. The panel will be encased in a flexible, high temperature resistant material that provides protection from water, oil and damaging UV rays. The edges of each individual panel will be secured to maximize the effective product lifespan.

[0033] The final product is a removable ballistics adhesive protective pad that is pliable and moldable, and that can be in any shape, size, color, pattern, texture, weight, density, thickness, level of protection and style. It will have a pressure sensitive adhesive layer, at first covered by a non-stick backing, that when combined with its ability to be molded & shaped, enables the device to adhere to surfaces such as clothing or body parts (e.g. arms, neck, thighs, legs, head, back, feet) and provide protection for specific critical areas such as heart and organs. It can also be applied to pets, and even inanimate objects such as vehicles or surfaces within a facility such as a home, schoolroom, or safe-room.

[0034] An object of the present invention is to provide ballistic protection.

[0035] A further object of the present invention is to provide up to National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Level IV ballistic protection.

[0036] A further object of the present invention is to provide ballistics protection that will adhere to any surface, such as a person's clothing or skin.

[0037] A further object of the present invention is to provide ballistics protection that can be removed from the surface that it is adhered to, and reused by adhering to another surface.

[0038] A further object of the present invention is to provide ballistics protection for body parts that are typically not covered (protected) while wearing a typical bulletproof vest as is known today.

[0039] A further object of the present invention is to not require custom fitting or manufacture for any specific user regardless of size, body shape, age, location applied or weight carrying ability, including following any changes to the afore-mentioned criteria.

[0040] A further object of the present invention is to provide ballistic protection at a relatively inexpensive price point due to its ability to be mass produced, and that is does not require customization in order to be fully effective.

[0041] A further object of the present invention is to make available effective ballistic protection at a price point where common citizens will be able to obtain it.

[0042] A further object of the present invention is to provide a ballistic protective device that is simple to apply, can be rapidly put into effect, and is intuitive to use.

[0043] A further object of the present invention is to quickly and easily apply ballistic protection to pets or inanimate objects such as the windshield and surfaces of a vehicle.

[0044] A further object of the present invention is to present ballistic protection that is flexible and can be molded or shaped to a curved surface, such as a person's torso or limb, allowing it to provide improved protection to arms or legs, or to form a close fitting breastplate.

[0045] A further object of the present invention is to present ballistic protection that can be manufactured to result in any shape, size, color, pattern, texture, weight, density, thickness, level of protection and style.

[0046] A further object of the present invention is to provide ballistic protection that is light weight but fully effective.

[0047] A further object of the present invention is to provide a ballistic protection device that does not require an accompanying carrier device (e.g. vest) that would increase the cost to manufacture and purchase, increase the weight having to be carried by the wearer, potentially limit the mobility of the wearer, limit the variety of people that could make use of the same device, and lessen the effective coverage of the person's body being protected because of fitment issues.

[0048] A further object of the present invention is to provide ballistic protection that is nearly undetectable because of its smooth design and ability to conform and adhere directly to a surface. This allows a person to simply wear a shirt or outer garment over my invention and thus conceal its presence.

[0049] A further object of the present invention is to provide a device that allows an increase in ballistic protection by the application of more than one panel onto the same area, stacking and adhering each on top of the other.

[0050] A further object of the present invention is to provide a ballistic protection device that can be simply and easily used in conjunction with existing bulletproof articles on the market e.g. a vest) to enhance its effectiveness both in the level of protection provided and the completeness of area covered.

[0051] A further object of the present invention is to present a ballistic protection device that is easily stored and quickly accessed during any potential or real assault event at any location, including but not limited to schools; law enforcement and military facilities, vehicles & locations; courtrooms; homes; public areas; hospitals; and hunting outings.

[0052] A further object of the present invention is to provide effective and flexible ballistics protection that causes minimal loss to the mobility of the wearer.

[0053] A further object of the present invention is to be re-useable after being applied to any given surface (e.g. walls of a home, schoolroom, safe-room, doors or other surfaces of a vehicle), because of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer, and/or additional adhesive kit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] FIG. 1 shows a typical embodiment of my invention, illustrating that it can be manufactured in a variety of useful shapes such as a large rectangle (10), a square (20) or a circle (30).

[0055] FIG. 2 shows the makeup of my invention in the form of a chestplate (40), and also illustrates the many layers (50) of ballistic material in its construction.

[0056] FIG. 3 Shows an application of my invention to a human body, in the form of a chestplate (40) and arm protection (70).

[0057] FIG. 4 Shows an application of my invention to a human body, in the form of a square (20) applied to a wearer's back.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0058] In its preferred embodiment, my invention consists of multiple layers of--

[0059] bulletproof fabric (such as Kevlar) that has been infused through a compression technique with resin having non-rigid bonding catalysts,

[0060] bulletproof polycarbonate,

[0061] pressure sensitive adhesive,

[0062] a flexible membrane to separate the infused fabric from the adhesive, that is formed into a flat panel which is then cut to a preferred size and shape, its perimeter edges secured together, and entirely encased in a flexible and protective outer coating.

[0063] The level of protection provided can vary, depending on the number of layers of bulletproof cloth and material included.

[0064] Alternatively, metal or other rigid plate material can be included in the stack of layers to increase the level of protection provided by the final product.

[0065] The juxtaposition of the cloth layers can be arranged so that the fibers of each subsequent layer are at an angle to the fibers of the layer preceding it, in order to increase the ballistic protection effectiveness of the assemblage.

[0066] The non-rigid bonding catalysts in the resin that is infused into the bulletproof cloth give the assemblage the ability to remain flexible, and conformable to the surface to which it is adhered. This is a significant advantage over rigid protective devices as the wearer retains maximum mobility, the device is easily concealed, the protective coverage area is greater and without gaps, and the likelihood of new gaps in coverage opening up as the wearer moves is minimized.

[0067] Any panel can be adhered and subsequently removed from any surface. Once removed, it can be re-adhered to another surface, so long as it has not been damaged by a ballistic event. Though the adhesive is reusable, over time it may lose its ability to adequately adhere. In this instance a kit will be available that contains additional adhesive that can be applied.

[0068] A further advantage of my invention is that no further garment or device is required to hold the panel in place since it is adhered to the surface rather than held in position by a vest, for example.

[0069] This also results in an advantage in that the additional weight of a vest, for example, is not required to be carried by the wearer.

[0070] A further advantage of my invention is that it can be used in conjunction with existing bulletproofing, such as a vest, by adhering a panel or panels to the vest where desired, such as over the heart area or over major body organs. This bolsters the protection provided to the wearer without requiring expensive and time consuming modifications to their existing bulletproof item.

[0071] A further advantage is that my invention is conformable to the body (e.g. arm, leg, breastplate coverage), and offers a smooth design such that it is easily rendered undetectable underneath a person's clothing.

[0072] It is to be understood that beyond the herein described preferred embodiment of my invention, which has been presented here as an illustration for understanding in general terms the benefits, characteristics and advantages that its design affords, further embodiments or details are claimed to be protected as well as they fall within the scope and spirit of the broad wording and understanding of the claims herein attached.

Claims

1. A removable ballistics adhesive protective pad, consisting of a multiple layered composition of bulletproof fabric, pressure sensitive adhesive, a flexible membrane, resin the perimeter edges of said multiple layered composition being securely sealed, and said multiple layered composition being surrounded by a flexible casing, and said bulletproof fabric being compressively infused with said resin, and said resin containing non-rigid bonding catalysts, and said pressure sensitive adhesive being covered with a removable non-stick backing, and said flexible membrane separating said bulletproof fabric from said pressure sensitive adhesive, and said casing providing protection from high temperatures, water, oil and UV rays such that a thin panel shape of removable ballistics adhesive protective pad is produced that is pliable, able to conform and adhere to a shape and that provides ballistic protection to an object to which it is adhered.

2. Said removable ballistics adhesive protective pad in claim 1 where said multiple layered composition includes layers of bulletproof polycarbonate thereby increasing the ballistic protective characteristics of said multiple layered composition.

3. Said removable ballistics adhesive protective pad in claim 1 where there are an increased number of layers of said bulletproof fabric and/or bulletproof polycarbonate thereby increasing the ballistic protective characteristics of said multiple layered composition.

4. Said removable ballistics adhesive protective pad in claim 1 where said multiple layered composition includes one or more layers of metal, thereby increasing said ballistic protection characteristics of said multiple layered composition.

5. Said removable ballistics adhesive protective pad in claim 1 where subsequent layers of said bulletproof fabric are oriented such that the direction of threads comprising their structure are laid at an angle to the threads of the previous layer.

6. Said removable ballistics adhesive protective pad in claim 1 where said removable ballistics adhesive protective pad is cut into various sizes or shapes.

7. Said removable ballistics adhesive protective pad in claim 1 where said flexible casing is of any color, texture or pattern.

8. Said removable ballistics adhesive protective pad in claim 1 where said bulletproof fabric is comprised of Kevlar.